A survivor of the incident in which 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recounted the conditions inside the detention facility, alleging that an unidentified substance was sprayed into the cell shortly before several detainees began collapsing.
The survivor gave the account on Friday, September 18, during a visit by Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to some of those who survived the incident in Niger State.
According to the survivor, 17 people were initially locked inside a small room before additional detainees were brought in. He said those inside complained that the cell was too small and extremely hot, but more people were subsequently added.
He alleged that as officers prepared to lock the room, an unidentified substance that appeared to have a perfume-like smell was sprayed inside.
The survivor said the smell quickly became disturbing and that people began falling as conditions inside the cell deteriorated.
He also claimed that detainees pleaded with officers for water because of the intense heat but were allegedly told that the cell would not be opened during the night.
Another survivor reportedly said he believed he survived because he was positioned close to the entrance of the cell, where he was able to get more air.
The accounts have added another dimension to the investigation into the deaths, which occurred after dozens of suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations in Niger State.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained, with 37 subsequently dying in custody. The detainees had reportedly been arrested during operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially suggested that a suspected disease outbreak may have been responsible for the deaths. However, authorities have stressed that the actual cause has not yet been established and that medical and forensic investigations are required.
Other accounts have raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the detention facility. The Federal Government has consequently ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
President Bola Tinubu has called for a transparent investigation, stressing that no Nigerian should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse or inhumane treatment.
The deaths have triggered anger and protests in Minna, with families and members of the public demanding answers from the authorities.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken for examination, while investigators work to establish what happened inside the detention facility and determine the medical cause of death.
Until the investigations are completed, the survivor’s allegation concerning the unidentified substance remains an unverified account and should not be treated as an established explanation for the deaths.
Source: Thepressradio.com
